LEE Byer has been charged with the murder of an 87-year-old who was stabbed to death on his mobility scooter.
Byer, of Southall, west London, has been remanded in custody after appearing in court over the stabbing of Thomas O'Halloran.
Thomas was attacked in a "shocking act" of "unprovoked violence" in Greenford, West London, just after 4pm on Tuesday.
The victim – originally from Co Clare in the west of Ireland – was a passionate musician and "very popular" in Greenford, often busking for charity.
Footage on social media shows Thomas busking to raise money for Ukraine months before the killing.
Byer appeared at Willesden Magistrates' Court today.
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Police said Mr O'Halloran's family have been informed and "have asked for their privacy to be respected at this very difficult time".
Yesterday, his devastated grandchild paid tribute to the "lovely" busker.
Speaking from her home in Westgate on Sea, near Margate, Cindy O’Neill, 37, one his grandchildren, told The Telegraph: “He was a lovely person. We are in a state of shock.
"It’s terrible. I can’t think straight.”
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Linda O’Halloran, one of his nieces in Ennystimon, Co Clare, Ireland, said the family was finding it “very hard” to process.
She said: “We’re the most open-hearted, but this is very hard for my parents.
“It’s very raw. They’re trying to come to terms with it.”
Thomas was surrounded by a mob in Western Avenue and fatally knifed in the horror attack on Tuesday, it is understood.
He then managed to travel 75 yards to Runnymede on his scooter.
The victim then flagged down a member of the public for help, but couldn't be saved.
Cops later released CCTV footage of a man seen running from the scene with a knife in his hand.
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They urged anyone who recognised him to get in touch immediately.
A man was then arrested following the appeal yesterday.
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